Plans to resurrect Aberdeen’s historic Bon Accord Baths – the spectacular ‘work in progress’ venue for our 2022 Annual School‘s Thursday launching reception in June – have been given a considerable boost after Aberdeen City Council agreed to lend its support to the effort.
image: IHBC
… the group has already spent thousands of pounds…. to keep rainwater, wind and vandals out…
Aberdeen’s Press and Journal writes:
Bon Accord Heritage (BAH) could now access new sources of funding, bringing it another step closer to reopening the much-loved leisure centre on Justice Mill Lane.
It has been closed to the public since 2008, and the group has already spent thousands of pounds on measures to keep rainwater, wind and vandals out after gaining access two years ago.
The council had previously decided against giving the restoration project a share of the £150 million set aside for the Aberdeen city centre masterplan.
Then in opposition, SNP and Lib Dem councillors had pushed for public money to be used to breathe new life into the category B-listed building.
The latest push came from the Conservatives, who promised official support for the Bon Accord Baths project in their manifesto ahead of May’s local elections…
… After a discussion with administration councillors resulting in minor changes, the support was agreed unanimously…
Staffed entirely by volunteers, BAH has branched beyond simple public open days this year to host unique art exhibitions and jazz gigs in the 82-year-old building.
Local indie band The Little Kicks even used the swimming pool as a backdrop in the video for their song Ruminations.
It all reflects the campaign group’s vision for a diversified venue that is as much a space for the community as it is a leisure centre.
They plan to allow locals to open up stalls and cafes on the site, establishing it as a hub while continuing to raise money for the ongoing restoration.
Council bosses have been asked to draw up a report on the group’s business case and on the commercial viability of the project…
Graham Cooper, a trustee of BAH, was watching the council action unfold from the public gallery. He said: ‘Further to previous initial feasibility work, we have already appointed… external consultants. They will prepare an advanced feasibility study and a business plan, which are essential pre-requisites in order to pursue external funding.
See further reprises from #IHBCAberdeen2022:
- #IHBCAberdeen2022: Sixth reprise, as ‘Potential designs for Aberdeen city centre streetscaping unveiled’
- #IHBCAberdeen2022: Fifth reprise (and more) – Aberdeen in ‘elder’ media as Telly Savalas to Jonathan Meades mix it up!
- #IHBCAberdeen2022: Fourth reprise – AHF Funding revitalises Portsoy and beyond
- #IHBCAberdeen2022: Third reprise (and more) – SLHA architects on Saturday, including A-listed Tarlair Lido & project
- Second reprise from #IHBCAberdeen2022’s School + MarketPlace: IHBC NewsBlog etc. highlights
- Bon Accord Baths and The Little Kicks on video: A first reprise (and more) from #IHBCAberdeen2022
